May 2023: Preventing The Spread Of Wildlife Rabies In Cape May County

Press release from the Cape May County Government:

May 10, 2023

Cape May Court House – Commissioner Jeffery Pierson announced today that the Departments of Health and Mosquito Control will be working together to distribute approximately 32,000 vaccine-laden baits throughout the mainland communities of Cape May County. The majority of the baits will be distributed by helicopter and the remaining will be distributing by hand in raccoon habitats (such as storm drains) and other areas considered inaccessible from the air. If weather permits, the baits will be distributed starting in May and be completed within two to three weeks.

Health Officer Kevin Thomas informed residents that, “the bait will have a warning label and include a Cape May County Department of Health telephone number for inquiries and for people to call if contact with the bait occurs.”

This vaccination program will help to reduce the number of animals with rabies such as raccoons, result in fewer encounters between rabid wildlife, pets, and people,” said Thomas. The vaccine is not harmful to wild animals or pets. Although the exposure risk to humans is very slight, the following information is important:

To ensure that animal rabies is controlled and that people and pets are protected, pet owners must do their part by vaccinating their dogs and cats against rabies. Additionally, people should not approach wild animals themselves - instead call the local animal control officer for assistance.

Rabies is a fatal disease in humans and any animal bite should be taken seriously. The rabies virus is shed in the saliva of animals that are infected with the virus. If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound, seek medical attention immediately, and call the Cape May County Department of Health and your municipal animal control agency. If you are exposed to a rabid or suspected rabid animal, you must receive rabies shots as soon as possible to prevent the disease. If your pet has contact with a wild animal, contact your veterinarian and the Department of Health right away.

If you have questions about the County’s wild animal rabies vaccination program, call the Health Department at 465-1209. For more information on animal rabies, go to the Environmental Division at: http://www.cmchealth.net and to receive information on public health news and local events, “like” the Cape May County Department of Health on Facebook.

This press release was produced by the Cape May County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.